A new trend among teenagers is getting the attention of parents and doctors alike.

The term “beezin” is becoming a more widely known piece of slang as the activity it describes gains popularity across the U.S.

According to urbandictionary.com, the term was first submitted in 2010 and means to apply a light layer of Burt’s Bees natural balm wax on one’s eyelids, typically to increase or simulate being high or drunk.

In Covington County, members of the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force have been posting warnings to parents on social media sites like Facebook, but say they haven’t actually dealt with anyone engaged in the activity just yet.

“We haven’t come across it yet here,” DTF Commander Mark Odom said, adding that anytime kids use household materials or other items to achieve a high of any sort, danger is always involved.

“It can’t be safe,” Odom said. He added that, while the lip balm is not a controlled substance, DTF members have seen deadly side affects from other substances, such as spice – or synthetic marijuana – and even cleaning materials “huffed” to achieve a high.

“Sounds like the same sort of thing,” Odom said.

According to medical reports on the subject, side effects of “beezin” can range from stomachache and diarrhea or constipation to pink eye, and could be more serious if the balm has been previously used by others.

-Blake Bell